Arsenal’s hope for Champions League qualification was kept alive when the Gunners thumped Stoke City 4-1 at the bet365 Stadium yesterday. That slim hope has now been dashed with Liverpool thrashing West Ham earlier today, to put them to pole position for a fourth place finish ahead of Arsenal for a spot in the Champions League next season.

As speculated by pundits and fans, a major rebound effect for Arsenal failings this term might be the mass exodus of their key players in the summer. Even before the transfer window is opened, emerging report claims Alexis Sanchez is calling it quit with the Gunners after the Chilean international agreed move to Bayern Munich.

The striker has stalled over an extension deal with Arsenal and it is understood that it is not because of a pay-rise but he wants to remain in the Champions League football spotlight. He is in the final 18-months of his Arsenal contract and he would go on a free if the Gunners fail to cash in on the prolific goal poacher this summer.

Sanchez has been persuaded by his compatriot and national teammate, Arturo Vidal whom he shares agent with, to shun Arsenal and join him at the Alianz Arena.

Sanchez has scored 21 League goals and provided 9 assists for Arsenal this season despite playing in an unfamiliar position. If he’s allowed to leave, there are chances that his star partner and teammate Mesut Ozil will follow his footstep.